Summer is quickly approaching in the Decatur area. Is your home or apartment prepared to face the heat?

If you don’t have central air conditioning, you should look into purchasing a window AC unit. The heat and humidity in the summer can be brutal, and you don’t want to be miserable until the weather starts to cool down.

Buying and owning a window AC unit might seem complicated, but it’s easy for anyone to do if you do a little research before you purchase. Keep reading to learn more about window air conditioning options.

How to Find the Best Window AC Unit

You need to do some research and be prepared before you purchase a window AC unit. If you’re new to the process, here are five tips to help you shop for a window air conditioner unit and keep yours running for years to come:

1. Check the Cooling Capacity

Not every portable ac unit is built to cool your entire house, or even a full room. The first thing you need to do before purchasing a unit is to check it’s cooling capacity against the square footage of the room where it will live.

2. Installation Process

Some window AC units are easy to install and only need to be placed into the window and plugged into an outlet. Others are more complicated and will need to be built into the wall or professionally installed.

3. Check the Energy Star Rating

Saving money is important for every homeowner, so don’t let your window unit drain your bank account. Make sure you check the energy star rating before you purchase.

The energy star system is a national standard that will save you money on your electric bill and help protect the environment.

4. Measure More Than Once

Before you commit to a unit, check and double-check that your measurements are correct. There’s nothing worse than investing in a unit, only to discover that it doesn’t fit in your windows.

Measure more than once and check the measurements of the unit before you buy. If you want to be extra-careful, contact the company that makes the unit to confirm that it will fit in your window.

5. Conduct Regular Maintenance

You’ll need to take care of your AC unit if you want it to perform at it’s best. Make sure you conduct regular maintenance on your machine.

You should also make sure it’s stored properly in the winter, or anytime you’re not using it. Don’t wait until the last minute to plug it in. Try installing it in the early spring, so you know it’s good to go when the weather gets hotter.

Learn More About Preparing Your Home for Summer

The summertime in Decatur, Alabama can be brutal. But our team at Southern Mechanical Services is here 24/7 to help you be prepared and face the heat whether you have central air or need a new window AC unit.

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful HVAC tips. If your home isn’t ready for summer, contact us today to schedule an appointment with an air conditioning professional.